Advanced features for vehicle authentication system

ABSTRACT

An authentication apparatus configured to identify a user comprises a scanning apparatus configured to capture identifying information of the user and a feedback apparatus configured to communicate alignment information for the scanning apparatus to a user. A controller is in communication with the scanning apparatus and the alignment apparatus. The controller is configured to activate the feedback apparatus to reveal the alignment information identifying an alignment with the scanning apparatus. The controller is further configured to capture the identifying information of the user and identify the user in response to the identifying information.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) and thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/780,679 entitled ADVANCEDFEATURES FOR VEHICLE AUTHENTICATION SYSTEM, filed on Dec. 17, 2018, byBosma et al., the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to an authentication oridentification system and, more particularly, to features and sensorconfigurations related to an authentication system.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an authenticationapparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is configured to identify a useror subject and comprises a scanning apparatus configured to captureidentifying information of the user. The authentication apparatusfurther comprises a feedback apparatus configured to communicatealignment information for the scanning apparatus to a user and acontroller. The controller is in communication with the scanningapparatus and the alignment apparatus and is configured to activate thefeedback apparatus revealing the alignment information identifying analignment with the scanning apparatus and capture the identifyinginformation of the user. The controller is further configured toidentify the user in response to the identifying information.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method for presentingalignment information for aligning a subject with a scanning apparatusis disclosed. The method comprises detecting a proximity of the subjectwithin a scanning distance of a scanning apparatus. In response to thesubject within the scanning distance, the method further comprisescontrolling a feedback apparatus to transmit a light comprisingalignment information through a concealment device. The method furthercomprises activating the scanning apparatus to capture scanning data ofthe subject in a field of view and capturing the identification datadepicting a portion of the subject for a biometric identification. Themethod further comprises processing the identification data of theportion of the subject thereby identifying the subject as an authorizedor unauthorized user.

According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, an authenticationapparatus configured to identify a user is disclosed. The apparatuscomprises a scanning apparatus configured to capture scanning data of asubject in a field of view and a proximity sensor configured tocommunicate a detection signal identifying a subject proximate thescanning apparatus. A feedback apparatus is configured to communicateilluminated alignment information indicating the field of view of thescanning apparatus to the subject. A concealment apparatus comprises anelectro-optic device configured to selectively reveal the illuminatedalignment information through a panel. A controller is configured todetect the subject proximate the scanning apparatus based on thedetection signal. In response to the detection of the subject, thecontroller may control the electro-optic device of the concealmentapparatus to reveal the illuminated alignment information. Thecontroller may further process the scanning data in the field of viewfor an identifying portion of the subject. In response to capturing theidentifying portion in the scanning data, the controller may identifythe subject based on the scanning data of the identifying portion.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the presentinvention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled inthe art by reference to the following specification, claims, andappended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an illustrative view of an authentication system comprising ascanning apparatus and a concealment apparatus incorporated in anautomotive vehicle;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a scanning apparatus and aconcealment apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart demonstrating a method of controlling anauthentication system comprising a scanning apparatus and a concealmentapparatus;

FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of a scanning apparatus comprising afeedback apparatus in the form of a visual display;

FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram of a scanning apparatus comprising afeedback apparatus in the form of a reflective device;

FIG. 5 is a pictorial view of a vehicle comprising an authenticationsystem;

FIG. 6 is a top view of a vehicle comprising an authentication system;and

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an identification system incorporating ascanning apparatus disposed in a mirror assembly in accordance with thedisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Unlessstated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of theelement closer to an intended viewer of the mirror element, and the term“rear” shall refer to the surface of the element further from theintended viewer of the mirror element. However, it is to be understoodthat the invention may assume various alternative orientations, exceptwhere expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understoodthat the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attacheddrawings, and described in the following specification are simplyexemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appendedclaims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristicsrelating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered aslimiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variationthereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that aprocess, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elementsdoes not include only those elements but may include other elements notexpressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, orapparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises a . . . ” does not,without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identicalelements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprisesthe element.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an exemplary embodiment of an authenticationsystem 10 is shown. In general, the system 10 may comprise a scanningapparatus 12 configured to capture data that may be used to identify andauthenticate a potential user or operator. In some embodiments, thesystem 10 may be configured to capture biometric data in the form ofimage data, which may be processed by a controller to load, authorize,unlock, and/or verify one or more privileges, actions, and/ortransactions associated with the system 10. The disclosure may providefor the system 10 to be implemented in a number of ways. For example, insome embodiments, the system may comprise a display screen configured toprovide a preview of the scanning data or image data captured by thescanning apparatus. In some embodiments, the system may also oralternatively provide for visual feedback identifying the content of thescanning data via a reflective device or mirror. In this way, the system10 may be configured to capture the scanning data and provide feedbackto an operator or user in a number of ways.

In various embodiments, the system 10 may comprise a scanning apparatus12. As demonstrated in FIG. 1, the system 10 may additionally comprise aconcealment apparatus 14, which may be configured to selectively mask orhide the scanning apparatus 12 and/or a feedback apparatus 15. Asfurther discussed in reference to various embodiments herein, thefeedback apparatus 15 may be configured to visually represent an extentor content of the scanning data such that a position or orientation ofthe operator or user may be adjusted. In this way, the system 10 mayprovide feedback information, alignment information, and/or instructionsto ensure that the system may operate effectively without undue hardshipfor users. In this way, the system 10 may be incorporated in a portionof the vehicle 16 or similar structure in a way that disguises or masksthe system 10 from view.

As shown in FIG. 1, the system 10 may be incorporated in an automotivevehicle 16. However, the system 10 may be implemented in a variety ofsettings to provide authentication for access to barriers or entrydoors, authorization of transactions (e.g. banking transactions,purchases, etc.), and various additional applications that may benefitfrom secure authorization of a user 18. In some embodiments, theconcealment apparatus 14 may provide for the location of the scanningapparatus 12 and/or the feedback apparatus 15 to be concealed such thatthe incorporation in the vehicle may not be visibly apparent orperceptible. In some embodiments, the concealment apparatus 14 may beconfigured to change from a concealed configuration 14 a to a scanningconfiguration 14 b. Similarly, in some embodiments, one or morecomponents of the system 10 may only be visible from predefined anglesor positions in relation to the vehicle 16. In this way, the disclosuremay provide for a flexible solution that may be implemented in a varietyof ways to suit a desired operation or application.

In some embodiments, the scanning apparatus 12 may be disposed orincorporated in various portions of the vehicle 16 to provide for accessto various compartments or portions of the vehicle 16. For example, theuser 18 may be authorized to access a trunk of the vehicle to receive adelivery or collect an item. In this way, the system 10 may provide forselective access through one or more gates, doors, access panels and mayadditionally be operable to provide an authorization for a user tocomplete various operations or transactions. Accordingly, the scanningapparatus 12 may be incorporated in various portions of the vehicle 16(e.g. a pillar, trunk, spoiler, hood, roof, etc.) or various otherstructures for convenient incorporation in a variety of environments.The various beneficial aspects of the system 10 are further discussed inthe following detailed description.

In some embodiments, the scanning apparatus 12 may be operable toperform an identification function, which may be activated upondetection of the user 18 interacting or being detected proximate to thescanning apparatus 12. Once activated, a controller of the system 10 maycontrol an electro-optic device 20 to change a transmittance of theconcealment apparatus 14. In response to the activation, the controllermay apply a control to an electrical signal (e.g. a voltage potential)applied to the electro-optic device 20 to change the electro-opticdevice 20 from a low transmittance state in the concealed configuration14 a to a substantially transparent or light transmissive state in thescanning configuration 14 b. For example, the low transmittance statemay be substantially color and reflection matched relative to aneighboring or adjacent panel 25, which may not require a completeopacity or suppression of transmitted light. In some examples, the lowtransmittance state may still allow for the transmission ofapproximately 5-25% or 5-15% of light while achieving sufficient visibleconcealment to disguise the scanning apparatus 12 and/or the feedbackapparatus 15 from view. In this way, the controller may selectivelyreveal the location of the scanning apparatus 12 such that the user 18may align one or more identifying features (e.g. a face, iris,fingerprint, palm print and outline, etc.) with the scanning apparatus12. Accordingly, the system 10 may be configured to be selectivelyrevealed to the user 18 to process an authentication or identificationroutine.

In operation, the low transmission state of the electro-optic device 20may not only reduce the transmission of visible or other light but mayalso adjust a color of the light transmitted through an electro-opticmedium of the electro-optic device 20. Accordingly, in someimplementations, the electro-optic device 20 may be configured toreflect a hue of light that provides similar visual properties to aneighboring panel 25. For example, if the panel 25 neighboring orsurrounding the electro-optic device 20 reflects light having a huecomprising one or more of a plurality of colors, the electro-opticmedium and various layers of the electro-optic device 20 may beconfigured to similarly reflect and/or selectively transmit similarcolors, such that the low transmission state effectively matches thecolor of the neighboring panel 25.

In some embodiments, the concealment apparatus 14 may additionallycomprise the feedback apparatus 15 comprising an alignment feature 22.The alignment feature 22 may be provided in the form of a mirror device24, which may be selectively revealed in the scanning configuration 14b. The mirror device 24 may be incorporated or formed as a constituentlayer of the electro-optic device 20 as shown in FIG. 2. The mirrordevice 24 may provide for a visual alignment tool for the user 18 toalign a facial feature 26, eye 28, and/or various identifying featureswith the scanning apparatus. For example, the user 18 may view areflection 30 of the identifying feature in the mirror device 24 toalign the feature with the scanning apparatus 12. In some embodiments,the mirror device 24 may comprise one or more alignment features 22 aswell as light indicators 34, which may assist the user 18 to align thereflection 30 of the identifying feature and indicate a status of theauthentication processed by the system 10, respectively.

In the concealed configuration 14 a, the system 10 may be configured tocontrol the concealment apparatus 14 to match an appearance of a panel25, which may be located neighboring or adjacent to the concealmentapparatus 14. As shown in FIG. 1, the concealment apparatus 14 may becontrolled by the controller of the system 10 to adjust a state of theelectro-optic device 20 to a decreased or limited transmission conditionto achieve the concealed configuration 14 a. In the concealedconfiguration 14 a, the concealment apparatus 14 may be darkened to alimited transmission state, which may be controlled based on one or morechemical properties of an electro-optic medium of the electro-opticdevice 20. In an exemplary embodiment, the electro-optic device 20 maybe configured to transition from a black appearance in the concealedconfiguration 14 a to a comparatively transparent appearance in thescanning configuration 14 b. In this way, the controller of the system10 may be configured to adjust the appearance of an exterior surface 36to change from a colored appearance that substantially matches the panel25 to a light transmissive state configured to reveal the mirror device24. Accordingly, the system 10 may provide for the mirror device 24 tobe selectively revealed to assist the user 18 in alignment with thescanning apparatus 12.

Referring now to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the scanning apparatus 12may provide for the system 10 to identify or authenticate the user 18 ofa vehicle 16 based on the eye-scan identification function. Theeye-scan-identification function may utilize an infrared illumination ofan iris of the eye 28 in order to illuminate the eye 28 for theidentification. Such illumination may be optimized in conditionsallowing for a high optical transmittance in the near-infrared (NIR)range. In some embodiments, the disclosure may provide for anelectrochromic (EC) stack of the electro-optic device 20 that may have ahigh light transmittance in the NIR range, for example, wavelengths oflight ranging from 800 nm to 940 nm. In some embodiments, the range ofwavelengths may comprise a range from approximately 700 nm-940 nm.Additionally, in some implementations, the electro-optic device 20 maycomprise a plurality of light sources 44 configured to illuminate atleast one iris of the user 18 of the vehicle 16.

To provide for the eye-scan-identification function, for example, aniris scan, an image sensor 42 of the scanning apparatus 12 may bedisposed proximate to a rear surface of the electro-optic device 20. Theimage sensor 42 may correspond to, for example, a digital charge-coupleddevice (CCD) or complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) activepixel sensor, although may not be limited to these exemplary devices.The image sensor 42 may be in communication with at least one lightsource 44, which may correspond to one or more infrared emitters 44 aconfigured to output an emission 54 of light in the NIR range (e.g. 700nm to 940 nm, 750 nm-800 nm, etc.). In some embodiments, wavelengthsranging from 750 nm to 800 nm may be utilized for the emission or 750nm- to 800 nm to suit one or more iris recognition functions. In thisconfiguration, the image sensor 42 may be configured to selectivelyactivate the one or more infrared emitters 44 a corresponding to the atleast one light source 44 to illuminate the iris such that an identityof a user 18 of the vehicle 16 may be determined.

The infrared emitters 44 a or the light sources 44 may correspond to aplurality of infrared emitter banks. Each of the infrared emitter banks46 may comprise a plurality of light emitting diodes, which may begrouped in a matrix or otherwise grouped and disposed behind a rearsurface 48 of the electro-optic device 20. In an exemplary embodiment,the plurality of light sources 44 may correspond to a first emitter bank46 a and a second emitter bank 46 b. In this configuration, each of theemitter banks 46 may be configured to output the emission 54 in the NIRrange or other wavelengths of light from the exterior surface 36. Inthis configuration, the scanning apparatus 12 may be configured toilluminate the eye 28 or eyes of the user 18 such that the image sensor42 may capture image data including details of the iris or irises.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the first emitter bank 46 a and/orthe second emitter bank 46 b may correspond to more or fewer LEDs orbanks of LEDs. In some embodiments, the electro-optic device 20 and themirror device 24 may have a high level of transmittance in the NIRrange. Examples of electro-optic assemblies having a high level oftransmittance in the NIR range may correspond to assemblies comprisingthe mirror device 24 having a transflective dielectric coating disposedon a fourth surface of the electro-optic device as further disclosedherein. In some embodiments comprising an electro-optic device 20 havinga lower level of transmittance in the NIR range, the scanning apparatus12 may utilize a greater number of or more intense LEDs. Electro-opticassemblies having a lower level of transmittance in the NIR range maycorrespond to assemblies comprising the mirror device 24 having ametal-based, transflective coating disposed on a third surface of theelectro-optic device.

The image sensor 42 may be disposed on a circuit 50, for example, aprinted circuit board in communication with a controller. The controllermay further be in communication with various devices that may beincorporated in the vehicle 16 via the communication bus or any othersuitable communication interface. The controller may correspond to oneor more processors or circuits, which may be configured to process imagedata received from the image sensor 42. In this configuration, the imagedata may be communicated from the image sensor 42 to the controller. Thecontroller may process the image data with one or more algorithmsconfigured to determine an identity of the user 18 of the vehicle 16.Further detailed discussion of the controller and the various devicesthat may be in communication therewith are discussed in reference toFIG. 7.

The alignment feature 22 may be formed as a portion of the mirror device24 and may be visible by the user viewing the exterior surface 36 of theconcealment apparatus 14 in the scanning configuration 14 b. In thisconfiguration, a field of view of the image sensor 42 may be directed ina detection direction 52 configured to capture reflected light fromdetection emissions 54 output from the infrared emitters 44 a. Thealignment feature 22 may be aligned with the field of view of the imagesensor 42 along the detection direction 52 such that the user 18 mayalign the identifying feature (e.g. the facial feature 26, eyes 28,etc.) with the field of view of the image sensor 42 by aligning thereflection 30 of the identifying features with the mirror device 24. Thealignment feature 22 may correspond to one or more shapes or patternsthat may be visible in the reflection 30. In an exemplary embodiment,the alignment feature 22 may be etched or laser ablated into the mirrordevice 24. In this configuration, the system 10 may provide for visiblemarkers on the exterior surface 36 enabling the user to align theidentifying features (e.g. the facial features 26, eyes 28, etc.).

The indicators 34 may be in communication with the controller andconfigured to output a signal to identify a state of the scanningapparatus 12. The indicator 34 may correspond to or be aligned with thelight sources 44, which may correspond to visible light sources 44 b.The visible light sources 44 b may be operable to flash and/or changecolors to communicate a state of the scanning apparatus 12. In anexemplary embodiment, the indicators 34 may be aligned with one or moreetched or laser-ablated portions of the mirror device 24 such thatvisible light from the visible light sources 44 b may pass through themirror device 24 and illuminate the indicators 34. The visible lightsources 44 b may comprise light emitting diodes (LED), and in anexemplary embodiment, the visible light sources 44 b may correspond to ared, green, and blue (RGB) LED operable to identify the state of thescanning apparatus 12 by outputting one or more colored emissions oflight.

Still referring to FIG. 2, as previously discussed, the feedbackapparatus 15 may comprise the mirror device 24. The mirror device 24 mayform a portion of the electro-optic device 20. The mirror device 24 mayinclude a first substrate 62 having a first surface 62 a and a secondsurface 62 b. The mirror device 24 may further comprise a secondsubstrate 64 having a third surface 64 a and a fourth surface 64 b. Thefirst substrate 62 and the second substrate 64 may define a cavity 66and may be substantially parallel. The first surface 62 a and the thirdsurface 64 a may be oriented toward the exterior surface 36 of theconcealment apparatus 14. The second surface 62 b and the fourth surface64 b may be oriented toward the rear surface 48. In this configuration,the contents of the housing including the image sensor 42 and the lightsource(s) 44 may be significantly hidden from view by the concealmentapparatus 14.

Though demonstrated in FIG. 2 as being disposed behind the concealmentapparatus 14, the image sensor 42 and the infrared emitters 44 a may bealternatively positioned in various embodiments. For example, in someembodiments, the concealment apparatus 14 may be configured to disguisethe mirror device 24 (e.g. the alignment apparatus) as well as the oneor more alignment features 22. However, the image sensor 42 may behidden or mounted elsewhere on the vehicle 16. For example, the imagesensor may 42 may be concealed by one or more materials, panels, and/orcoatings that are transmissive in the NIR range of light. Such materialsmay disguise the image sensor 42 and the infrared emitters 44 a fromview without limiting their operation. In this way, the image sensor 42and the infrared emitters 44 a may be positioned to orient the field ofview of the image sensor 42 along the detection direction 52 such thatthe user 18 may align with the identifying feature (e.g. the facialfeature 26, eyes 28, etc.) even though the image sensor 42 and theinfrared emitters 44 a may not necessarily be aligned behind theconcealment apparatus 14.

The cavity 66 may contain an electro-optic medium 68, such as, but notlimited to, an electrochromic medium. The cavity 66 may be completely orpartially filled with the medium 68. The concealment apparatus 14 may bein communication with a dimming controller via electrical contacts andmay comprise various seals to retain the medium 68 in the cavity 66. Inthis configuration, the concealment apparatus 14 may correspond to anelectrochromic mirror element configured to vary in reflectivity inresponse to a control signal received from the dimming controller viathe electrical contacts. The control signal may change an electricalpotential supplied to the concealment apparatus 14 to control thereflectivity. In some embodiments, the mirror device 24 may beimplemented as a transflective coating 70, which may typically bedisposed on the third surface 64 a. The transflective coating 70 maytypically comprise a layer containing silver along with additionallayers, such as metal, dielectric and/or transparent conducting oxideslocated above or below the silver comprising layer or both.

In some embodiments, the transflective coating 70 may be implemented asa transflective dielectric coating that may be applied to the fourthsurface 64 b. The transflective dielectric coating may be used as analternative to a metal-based coating for the transflective coating 70.The transflective dielectric coating may be designed to resolve theissues related to the limited transmission in the NIR range for theconcealment apparatus 14 and provide NIR transmittance greater thanabout 20%. Additionally, the dielectric coating can be designed toadjust the color and appearance of the concealment apparatus 14 to matchthe color and reflection of the neighboring panel 25 in the lowtransmittance state. In this way, the disclosure provides for theconcealment apparatus to be adjusted or color tuned to effectively matchvarious visual appearances of panels and portions of the vehicle 16.

In some embodiments, the system 10 may further comprise a proximitysensor 72. The proximity sensor 72 may correspond to a capacitivesensor, radar sensor, Doppler sensor, ultrasonic sensor, image or lightsensor, or various other sensors that may be configured to identify theuser 18 proximate the vehicle 16. In various embodiments, the controllerof the system may monitor signals from the proximity sensor 72 andselectively activate various portions of the system 10 in response tothe presence of the user 18. For example, in response to the detectionof the user 18 within a detection region, the controller may selectivelycontrol the concealment apparatus 14, the scanning apparatus 12, as wellas one or more illumination sources, display devices, and variousdevices in communication with the controller of the system 10. Inaddition, or alternatively, the system may monitor inputs from a userinterface, which may operate in response to the proximity sensor 72 oradditional sensors that may be incorporated in the vehicle 16.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a flowchart demonstrating a method 80 forcontrolling the system 10 is shown. The method 80 may begin with thecontroller of the system 10 initializing an authentication or securityauthorization routine (82). The method 80 may continue by scanning aregion proximate the scanning apparatus 12 for the user 18 (84). Thecontroller may utilize the image sensor 42 or various sensors of thevehicle 16. If the user 18 is not detected in step 86, the controllermay continue the scan in step 84. If the user is detected in step 86,the controller may continue to step 86 and control the concealmentapparatus 14 to change from the concealed configuration 14 a to thescanning configuration 14 b. In the scanning configuration 14 b, thecontroller may activate the scanning apparatus 12 to capture biometricdata in a field of view of the image sensor 42 (88).

Once the concealment apparatus 14 is in the scanning configuration 14 b,the user 18 may align the identifying feature (e.g. the facial feature26, eye 28, etc.) with the scanning apparatus 12 by viewing thereflection 30 in the mirror device 24. As the user 18 aligns theidentifying feature with the scanning apparatus 12, the controller mayprocess the biometric data and determine an authentication oridentification of the user 18 (90). Upon receiving and processing thebiometric data, the controller may identify if the authentication issuccessful (92). If the authentication is not successful or the user 18has not sufficiently aligned the identifying feature with the scanningapparatus 12, the controller may continue to control the scanningapparatus to capture the biometric data in step 88. In step 92, thecontroller may also determine if the authentication is unsuccessful dueto the biometric data corresponding to an unknown or unauthorized user.In such circumstances, the controller may track unsuccessfulauthorization or authentication attempts and lock the authenticationroutine after a predetermined number (e.g. n attempts) of unsuccessfulattempts (94).

In some examples, the system 10 may also be configured to communicate anotification of a failed authentication attempt. Such a notification maybe communicated to a mobile device of an owner or authorized user of thevehicle 16. The notification may be communicated from a controller ofthe system 10 to the mobile device and/or additional remote devices viaone or more communication circuits, which may be in communication withthe controller. Accordingly, the system 10 may be configured tocommunicate a notification to the mobile device and/or output a varietyof notifications related to the operation of the system 10, the vehicle16, etc. The controller is further discussed in reference to FIG. 7.

In step 92, if the controller successfully authenticates or identifiesan authorized user, the controller may access a profile or account forthe authorized user (96). The controller of the system 10 may furtheraccess and/or load a privilege or authorization level as well as varioussettings for the authorized user (98). The privileges or authorizationlevel of the user may provide the user access a barrier or similarlyauthorize a transaction. In this way, the system 10 may provide theauthorized user access to the vehicle 16 and/or provide anauthentication of a pending transaction. Following step 98, the method80 may conclude in step 100.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the system 10 is demonstrating a number ofvariations for the feedback apparatus 15 that may be utilized alone orin combination. Accordingly, the flexible solutions implemented in thefeedback apparatus 15 may be combined to provide optional feedbackmechanisms to improve or provide options for the operation of the systemwithout departing from the spirit of the disclosure. For example,referring first to FIG. 4A, the system is shown comprising the feedbackapparatus 15 in the form of a display screen 110. In operation, thedisplay screen 110 may be configured to display the scanning data orimage data received from the image sensor 42. Additionally, theconcealment apparatus 14 (e.g. the electro-optic device 20, liquidcrystal layer, etc.) may be disposed in front of the display screen 110.In this configuration, the controller of the system 10 may be configuredto control the concealment apparatus 14 by adjusting the transmissionstate of the electro-optic device 20 as discussed herein.

In operation, in response to detecting the presence of the user 18proximate the vehicle 16, the controller may activate the display screen110 to display the image data captured by the image sensor 42.Additionally, the controller may control the electro-optic device 20 tochange from the darkened or limited transmission state to thesubstantially transparent state to reveal the display screen 110.Similarly, a liquid crystal shutter may be utilized to mask theappearance of the display screen 110 in a first configuration andtransmit light from the display screen in a second configuration. Inthis way, the controller of the system 10 may be configured to adjustthe appearance of the exterior surface 36 to change from the coloredappearance or limited transmission state that substantially matches thepanel 25 to a light transmissive state configured to reveal the displayscreen 110, such that light representing the image data from the imagesensor 42 may be revealed to the user 18. Accordingly, the system 10 mayprovide for the concealment apparatus 14 to reveal the feedbackapparatus 15, such that the user 18 may align one or more features withthe alignment features 22, which may be displayed on the display screen110. Additionally, the controller may display one or more instructionsfor alignment on the display screen 110.

Referring to FIG. 4B, in another example, the feedback apparatus 15 maybe implemented in the form of the mirror device 24. As previouslydiscussed, the mirror device 24 may be incorporated or formed as aconstituent layer of the electro-optic device 20 as shown in FIG. 2. Themirror device 24 may provide for a visual alignment tool for the user 18to align a facial feature 26, eye 28, and/or various identifyingfeatures with the scanning apparatus. For example, the user 18 may viewa reflection 30 of the identifying feature in the mirror device 24 toalign the feature with the scanning apparatus 12. In some embodiments,the mirror device 24 may comprise one or more alignment features 22 aswell as light indicators 34, which may assist the user 18 to align thereflection 30 of the identifying feature and indicate a status of theauthentication processed by the system 10, respectively.

In the concealed configuration 14 a, the system 10 may be configured tocontrol the concealment apparatus 14 to match an appearance of a panel25, which may be located neighboring or adjacent to the concealmentapparatus 14. As shown in FIG. 1, the concealment apparatus 14 may becontrolled by the controller of the system 10 to adjust a state of theelectro-optic device 20 to a substantially limited light transmissioncondition to achieve the concealed configuration 14 a. In the concealedconfiguration 14 a, an exterior surface 36 of the concealment apparatus14 may be darkened to an opaque color, which may correspond to one ormore chemical properties of an electro-optic medium 68 of theelectro-optic device 20. In an exemplary embodiment, the electro-opticdevice 20 may be configured to transition from a black appearance in theconcealed configuration 14 a to a comparatively transparent appearancein the scanning configuration 14 b. In this way, the controller of thesystem 10 may be configured to adjust the appearance of the exteriorsurface 36 to change from a colored appearance that substantiallymatches the panel 25 to a light transmissive state configured to revealthe mirror device 24. Accordingly, the system 10 may provide for themirror device 24 to be selectively revealed to assist the user 18 inalignment with the scanning apparatus 12.

Referring now to FIG. 5, as previously discussed, the system 10 may beconfigured to activate the one or more devices, peripherals, and/orvehicle components in communication with the controller. For example, inresponse to the presence of the user 18, the controller may selectivelyactivate various portions of the system 10. The presence of the user 18or more generally of a person 112 may be detected by the image sensor 42and/or the proximity sensor 72. As shown, the image sensor 42 maycomprise a field of view 114, and the proximity sensor 72 may comprise adetection region 116, each of which may be configured to detect anobject and/or the person 112 within a predetermined distance ormonitoring range. In response to the detection of the person 112 withinthe field of view 114 and/or the detection region 116, the controllermay selectively activate the one or more devices, peripherals, and/orvehicle components.

For example, in response to the detection via one of the sensors 120(e.g. the image sensor 42, the proximity sensor 72, etc.), thecontroller of the system 10 may selectively control the concealmentapparatus 14, the scanning apparatus 12, as well as one or moreillumination sources, display devices, and various devices incommunication with the controller of the system 10. In addition, oralternatively, the system 10 may monitor inputs from a user interface,which may operate in response to the proximity sensor 72 or additionalsensors that may be incorporated in the vehicle 16.

In an exemplary embodiment, the controller may be configured to capturean image of the object or person 112 in response to a detection of theobject or person 112 within a predetermined distance. In someembodiments, the controller may similarly be configured to capture imagedata of the user 18 in response to a successful or unsuccessfulcompletion of the authentication method 80 or similar methods asdiscussed herein. In response to capturing the image data, thecontroller may communicate the image data to a remote or mobile device,outside server, and/or save the image data for later review in responseto a security issue, damage, or for any other purposes. Accordingly, thesystem may be configured to detect the person 112 and/or object (e.g. avehicle, etc.) proximate to the vehicle 16 and capture image data, whichmay be used to identify the object or person 112.

In some examples, the image sensor 42, the light source 44, theproximity sensor 72, the display device 110, and/or various otherdevices in communication with the system 10 may be implemented incombination with additional systems of the vehicle 16. For example, insome embodiments, the system 10 may be implemented as a component orcontroller of a camera monitoring system and/or advanced driverassistance system (ADAS). For example, the image data captured in thefield of view 114 by the image sensor 42 may be combined by thecontroller with additional image data captured by additional imagesensors 122. The additional image sensor 122 may be distributed invarious portions of the vehicle 16. Similarly, the proximity sensor 72and/or the image sensor 122 may be utilized as a sensor of a blind spotmonitoring system, a lane keep system, or various other assistancesystems that may be implemented for the vehicle 16.

FIG. 6 demonstrates a top view of the vehicle 16. Referring now to FIGS.5 and 6, in some embodiments, the system 10 may be implemented to outputone or more identification signals and/or status indicators. Forexample, if the vehicle 16 is operating on a roadway, the system 10 mayutilize information from the sensors 120 to identify a nearby vehicle inthe field of view 114 and/or detection region 116. In response to thedetection, the system 10 may output a visual notification via thedisplay screen 110 and/or one or more light sources 44. In this way, thesystem may selectively activate the display 110 and/or light sources 44or indicators to provide a visual notification outside the vehicle 16.

In some embodiments, the controller of the system 10 may also be incommunication with a vehicle control module. In such implementations,the system 10 may be configured to display a vehicle status via thedisplay screen 110. For example, the controller may be configured todisplay various information on the display screen 110. The informationmay include, but not be limited to, a charge level, fuel level, insidetemperature, a proximity, and/or various other information. In this way,the system 10 may be flexibly implemented to support various featuresand operation of the vehicle 16 as discussed herein.

In some embodiments, the display screen 110 and/or light sources 44 maybe selectively activated to identify various states of the vehicle 16and/or detections or information identified by the system 10. Forexample, the system 10 may be configured to identify a proximity of akey fob cellular phone, or various other communication enabled device.Such devices may generally be referred to as mobile devices 126 forclarity. In response to the detection of the mobile device 126 within apredetermined distance 124, the system 10 may be configured to activatethe display screen 110 and/or light sources 44 to identify the vehicle16 and/or greet the user 18. In similar examples, the system 10 may beconfigured to selectively activate the display screen 110 and/or thelight source 44 or various additional lights 128 of the vehicle 16 inresponse to a signal or communication from the mobile device 126. Inthis configuration, the controller of the system 10 may be configured toselectively activate the display screen 110 and/or the light source 44or various additional lights 128 of the vehicle 16 to identify alocation of the vehicle 16, activate an alarm, and/or indicate a panicor alert mode.

In some embodiments, the scanning apparatus 12 may be configured tocapture image data that may be displayed on the mobile device 126 or anaccess code provided on a permanent form of media. For example, in aride-share setting, the user 18 may be provided with a code that may bedisplayed on a screen of the mobile device 126. In response to detectingthe user 18 proximate to the vehicle (e.g. via the proximity sensor 72),the controller of the system 10 may be configured to control the imagesensor 42 of the scanning apparatus 12 to capture image data depictingthe code (e.g. a QR code, reference number, or security identifier). Thecontroller may then process the image data to identify whether or notthe code corresponds to an authorized use or access of the vehicle 16.In response to an authorized identification of the user 18 via the codeand/or other authentication (e.g. biometric), the system 10 may beconfigured to selectively grant access or authorize the use of thevehicle 16.

In some embodiments, the system 10 may further comprise a microphone 130a and/or a speaker 130 b. In such embodiments, the system 10 may beconfigured to communicate one or more instructions, greetings, and/oradditional information to the user 18 and/or the person 112. Forexample, in the event that an individual (e.g. user 18) is authorized toaccess a compartment of the vehicle 16 (e.g. for a delivery, as apassenger, operation, etc.), the system 10 may output a message via thespeaker 130 b instructing the individual to access a specific portion(e.g. trunk, passenger compartment front, passenger compartment rear,etc.) to deliver a parcel or otherwise access the vehicle 16. Similarly,the controller of the system 10 may be configured to receive andcommunicate verbal questions via the microphone 130 a. In some examples,the microphone 130 a and the speaker 130 b may be configured to operateas a communication interface for a telephonic or web-basedcommunication. In such embodiments, the system 10 may be configured tosend data recorded by the microphone 130 a and receive audio informationthat may be output from the speaker 130 b to support audiocommunications between the user 18 and a contact. Such communicationsmay be enabled via the one or more communication circuits discussed inreference to FIG. 7.

In some embodiments, the vehicle 16 may further comprise a cabinmonitoring system (e.g. an unattended child monitoring system), whichmay be configured to detect one or more passengers in the vehicle 16.The cabin monitoring system may comprise one of more image sensors,weight sensors, microphones, etc. configured to detect the presence of aliving person or animal that may have been left behind in the cabin ofthe vehicle 16. In some examples, the authentication system 10 may be incommunication with or form an integral component of the cabin monitoringsystem. In such examples, the authentication system 10 may serve as adetection and/or notification device that may be utilized to detect theuser 18 departing from the vehicle 16 while still occupied and/or outputan alert the user 18 indicating such a departure.

For example, the proximity sensor 72 may be utilized in combination withthe cabin monitoring system to identify that the user 18 has departedfrom the vehicle 16 beyond the predetermined distance 124. Additionally,such a departure may be indicated based on the doors of the vehicle 16being locked. In response to such a detection, the controller of thesystem 10 may selectively activate the display screen 110, one or moreof the light sources 44, the additional lights 128 of the vehicle 16,the speaker 130 b, a horn, and/or various indicators of the vehicle 16to alert the user 18 of the departure of the occupied vehicle.Additionally, the system 10 may be configured to communicate an alert tothe mobile device 126, an emergency contact, and/or an emergencyresponder via the communication circuit, further discussed in referenceto FIG. 7. Accordingly, the system 10 may be implemented to provideand/or support a variety of vehicle systems without departing from thespirit of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 7, a block diagram of the system 10 incorporating thescanning apparatus 12 and the concealment apparatus 14 is shown. In FIG.7, the controller 142 of the system 10 is shown in communication withthe scanning apparatus 12 and the concealment apparatus 14. Thecontroller 142 may further be in communication with a control module 144via a communication bus 146 of the vehicle 16. The communication bus 146may be configured to deliver signals to the controller 142 identifyingvarious states of the vehicle 16. For example, the communication bus 146may be configured to communicate to the controller 142 a drive selectionof the vehicle 16, an ignition state, a door open or ajar status, aremote activation of the scanning apparatus 12, etc. Such informationand control signals may be utilized by the controller 142 to activate oradjust various states and/or control schemes of the scanning apparatus12 and the concealment apparatus 14.

The controller 142 may comprise a processor 148 having one or morecircuits configured to control various operations of the system 10. Theprocessor 148 may be in communication with a memory 150 configured tostore instructions to control operations of the scanning apparatus 12.For example, the controller 142 may be configured to store one or morecharacteristics or profiles utilized by the controller 142 to identifythe user 18 of the vehicle 16. In this configuration, the controller 142may communicate operating and identification information with thescanning apparatus 12 to identify the user 18 of the vehicle 16.Additionally, based on the identification of the user 18, the controller142 may be configured to control and/or communicate with additionalsystems of the vehicle 16. Such systems may include a security system,speed governor, radio/infotainment system, etc. In this way, one or moresystems of the vehicle 16 may be controlled or restricted based on theidentity of the user 18.

In some embodiments in response to an identification of a passenger oruser 18 of the vehicle 16, the controller 142 may access a database ofstored driver preferences to customize aspects of the vehicle 16. Forexample, the controller 142 may access and enable radio station presetsaccording to a driver's pre-established preferences. Navigation and/ormap display settings may be changed or set according to a driver'spre-established preferences. Additionally, the system 10 may be utilizedto customize a seat position or height and adjust various operatingparameters before the user 18 even enters vehicle 16. For example, thesystem may be operable to start the vehicle 16, activate a radio to apreconfigured station or playlist, and activate a climate control to auser setting. Additionally, the database may comprise navigationinformation comprising known or previously visited locations. Inparticular, a route to home, work, or other frequently visited locationsmay be preset upon identification of a driver based on previous use orprogramming stored in the database.

In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 142 may be configured toprocess image data received from the image sensor 42. In thisconfiguration, the controller 142 may process the image data with one ormore algorithms configured to determine an identity of the user 18 ofthe vehicle 16. With the identity of the user 18 or one or morepassengers of the vehicle 16 identified, the controller 142 may furtherbe operable to control various systems or functions of the vehicle 16.

Though discussed in exemplary reference to the vehicle 16, the system 10may similarly be implemented to authenticate users to control access orentry through doors or access gates into various buildings, officestructures, residences, etc. Similarly, the system 10 may be utilized toauthorize various transactions (e.g. purchases, bank transactions, etc.)For example, in a residential setting, the system 10 may be incommunication with a smart home system. In such embodiments, based on anauthentication of the user 18, the system 10 may grant access to a dooror gate of a home and control one or more devices in communication withthe smart-home system to load specific settings or preferences of theuser 18. Accordingly, the system 10 may be configured to suit a varietyof applications without departing from the spirit of the disclosure.

In some embodiments, the controller 142 may utilize the identificationof the user 18 of the vehicle 16 to report updates to an administratorof the system 10. For example, in some embodiments, the controller 142may further comprise one or more communication circuits 152 configuredto communicate via a communication network 154. Accordingly, the system10 may be in communication with a remote server 156 and/or a mobiledevice 126 via the communication network 154. The communication network154 may comprise one or more wireless or wired network interfaces orcommunication protocols. As discussed herein, wireless communicationprotocols may operate in accordance with communication standardsincluding, but not limited to Institute of Electrical and ElectronicEngineering (IEEE) 802.11 (e.g., WiFi™); Bluetooth®; advanced mobilephone services (AMPS); digital AMPS; global system for mobilecommunications (GSM); code division multiple access (CDMA); Long TermEvolution (LTE or 4G LTE); local multipoint distribution systems (LMDS);multi-channel-multi-point distribution systems (MMDS); RFID; and/orvariations thereof. In this configuration, the controller 142 may beconfigured to send an alert or message to the administrator of thesystem 10 in response to one or more predetermined events. The alert ormessage may correspond to a text message, data message, email, alert viaan application operating on a smart device, etc.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 7, the scanning apparatus 12 may beconfigured to capture image data that may be displayed on the mobiledevice 126 or an access code provided on a permanent form of media. Forexample, in a ride-share setting, the user 18 may be provided with acode that may be displayed on a screen of the mobile device 126. Thecontroller 142 may be configured to control the image sensor 42 of thescanning apparatus 12 to capture image data depicting the code (e.g. aQR code, reference number, or security identifier). The controller 142may then process the image data to identify whether or not the codecorresponds to an authorized use or access of the vehicle 16. Inresponse to an authorized identification of the user 18 via the codeand/or other authentication (e.g. biometric), the system 10 may beconfigured to selectively grant access or authorize the use of thevehicle 16.

Similarly, in some implementations, the system 10 may be configured todisplay a code on the display screen 110, which may be captured orentered into the mobile device 126 by the user 18. Upon receiving orcapturing the code, the mobile device 126 may communicate the code tothe system via the communication network 154. The code may then beidentified and/or authenticated via the remote server 156 and/ordirectly by the controller 142 of the vehicle 16. In this configuration,the system may be configured to communicate information via the displayscreen 110 that may be input into or captured by the mobile device 126to assist or otherwise facilitate authorized access or use of thevehicle 16.

In some examples, the system 10 may also be configured to communicate anotification of a failed authentication attempt, unauthorized accessattempt, nearby object or person notification, etc. Such a notificationmay be communicated to the mobile device 126 of an owner or authorizeduser of the vehicle 16. The notification may be communicated from acontroller 142 of the system 10 to the mobile device 126 and/oradditional remote devices via the one or more communication circuits152. Accordingly, the system 10 may be configured to communicate anotification to the mobile device 126 and/or output a variety ofnotifications related to the operation of the system 10, the vehicle 16,etc.

The system 10 may further comprise the microphone 130 a and/or thespeaker 130 b. In such embodiments, the system 10 may be configured tocommunicate one or more instructions, greetings, and/or additionalinformation to the user 18 and/or the person 112. For example, in theevent that an individual (e.g. user 18) is authorized to access acompartment of the vehicle 16 (e.g. for a delivery, as a passenger,operation, etc.), the system 10 may output a message via the speaker 130b instructing the individual to access a specific portion (e.g. trunk,passenger compartment front, passenger compartment rear, etc.) todeliver a parcel or otherwise access the vehicle 16.

Similarly, the controller 142 of the system 10 may be configured toreceive and communicate verbal questions via the microphone 130 a. Insome examples, the microphone 130 a and the speaker 130 b may beconfigured to operate as a communication interface for a telephonic orweb-based communication. In such examples, the system 10 may beconfigured to send data recorded by the microphone 130 a and receiveaudio information that may be output from the speaker 130 b to supportaudio communications between the user 18 and a contact. Suchcommunications may be enabled via the one or more communication circuits152.

In some examples, the image sensor 42, the light source 44, theproximity sensor 72, the display device 110, and/or various otherdevices in communication with the system 10 may be implemented incombination with additional systems of the vehicle 16. For example, thesystem 10 may be implemented as a component or controller of a cameramonitoring system and/or advanced driver assistance system (ADAS).Additionally, the image data captured by the image sensor 42 may becombined by the controller with additional image data captured byadditional image sensors 122 as discussed herein. Similarly, theproximity sensor 72 and/or the image sensor 122 may be utilized as asensor of a blind spot monitoring system, a lane keeping system, orvarious other assistance systems that may be implemented for the vehicle16.

Referring again to FIG. 7, the electro-optic device 20 of theconcealment apparatus 14 may correspond to an electrochromic element.The electrochromic element may comprise an electrochromic medium, whichincludes at least one solvent, at least one anodic material, and atleast one cathodic material. Typically, both of the anodic and cathodicmaterials are electroactive and at least one of them is electrochromic.It will be understood that regardless of its ordinary meaning, the term“electroactive” will be defined herein as a material that undergoes amodification in its oxidation state upon exposure to a particularelectrical potential difference. Additionally, it will be understoodthat the term “electrochromic” will be defined herein, regardless of itsordinary meaning, as a material that exhibits a change in its extinctioncoefficient at one or more wavelengths upon exposure to a particularelectrical potential difference. Electrochromic components, as describedherein, include materials whose color or opacity are affected byelectric current, such that when an electrical current is applied to thematerial, the color or opacity changes from a first phase to a secondphase. The electrochromic component may be a single-layer, single-phasecomponent, multi-layer component, or multi-phase component, as describedin U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,928,572 entitled “Electrochromic Layer and DevicesComprising Same,” U.S. Pat. No. 5,998,617 entitled “ElectrochromicCompounds,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,020,987 entitled “Electrochromic MediumCapable of Producing a Pre-selected Color,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,037,471entitled “Electrochromic Compounds,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,141,137 entitled“Electrochromic Media for Producing a Preselected Color,” U.S. Pat. No.6,241,916 entitled “Electrochromic System,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,193,912entitled “Near Infrared-Absorbing Electrochromic Compounds and DevicesComprising Same,” U.S. Pat. No. 6,249,369 entitled “CoupledElectrochromic Compounds With Photostable Dication Oxidation States,”U.S. Pat. No. 6,137,620 entitled “Electrochromic Media WithConcentration-Enhanced Stability, Process for the Preparation Thereofand Use in Electrochromic Devices,” U.S. Patent No. U.S. Pat. No.6,519,072, entitled “Electrochromic Device”; and International PatentPublication Nos. WO 98/42796 entitled “Electrochromic Polymeric SolidFilms, Manufacturing Electrochromic Devices Using Such Solid Films, andProcesses For Making Such Solid Films And Devices,” and WO 99/02621entitled “Electrochromic Polymer Systems,” which are herein incorporatedby reference in their entirety.

It will be appreciated that embodiments of the invention describedherein may be comprised of one or more conventional processors andunique stored program instructions that control one or more processorsto implement, in conjunction with certain non-processor circuits, some,most, or all of the functions of the concealment apparatus 14, asdescribed herein. The non-processor circuits may include but are notlimited to, signal drivers, clock circuits, power source circuits,and/or user input devices. As such, these functions may be interpretedas steps of a method used in using or constructing a classificationsystem. Alternatively, some or all functions could be implemented by astate machine that has no stored program instructions, or in one or moreapplication specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each functionor some combinations of certain of the functions are implemented ascustom logic. Of course, a combination of the two approaches could beused. Thus, the methods and means for these functions have beendescribed herein. Further, it is expected that one of ordinary skill,notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design choicesmotivated by, for example, available time, current technology, andeconomic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principlesdisclosed herein will be readily capable of generating such softwareinstructions and programs and ICs with minimal experimentation.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art thatconstruction of the described invention and other components is notlimited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of theinvention disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety ofmaterials unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of itsforms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining oftwo components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical ormechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the twocomponents. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removableor releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the invention as shown in the exemplary embodiments isillustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the presentinnovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple partsor elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, theoperation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, thelength or width of the structures and/or members or connector or otherelements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustmentpositions provided between the elements may be varied. It should benoted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may beconstructed from any of a wide variety of materials that providesufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors,textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired andother exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of thepresent innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps withindescribed processes may be combined with other disclosed processes orsteps to form structures within the scope of the present invention. Theexemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrativepurposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can bemade on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing fromthe concepts of the present invention, and further it is to beunderstood that such concepts are intended to be covered by thefollowing claims unless these claims by their language expressly stateotherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. An authentication apparatus configured toidentify a user comprising: a scanning apparatus configured to captureidentifying information of the user; a feedback apparatus configured tocommunicate alignment information for the scanning apparatus to a user;and a controller in communication with the scanning apparatus and thealignment apparatus, wherein the controller is configured to: activatethe feedback apparatus revealing the alignment information identifyingan alignment with the scanning apparatus; control the scanning apparatusto capture the identifying information of the user; and identify theuser by processing the identifying information.
 2. The authenticationapparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a proximity sensorin communication with the controller, wherein the proximity sensor isconfigured to communicate a detection signal identifying the userproximate the scanning apparatus.
 3. The authentication apparatusaccording to claim 2, wherein the controller is further configured to:detect an object within a predetermined distance of the vehicle inresponse to the detection signal; and communicate the detection to adriver assistance system.
 4. The authentication apparatus according toclaim 2, wherein the controller is further configured to: activate thefeedback apparatus in response to the detection signal identifying theuser proximate to the scanning apparatus.
 5. The authenticationapparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a concealmentapparatus comprising an electro-optic device configured to selectivelyreveal the feedback apparatus.
 6. The authentication apparatus accordingto claim 5, wherein the controller is further configured to: control theelectro-optic device to change from a concealed configuration to ascanning configuration in response to the detection signal identifyingthe user proximate the scanning apparatus.
 7. The authenticationapparatus according to claim 5, wherein the electro-optic device isconfigured to selective transmit light demonstrating the alignmentinformation emitted from the feedback apparatus.
 8. The authenticationapparatus according to claim 7, wherein the electro-optic apparatuscomprises an electrochromic device.
 9. The authentication apparatusaccording to claim 7, wherein the electro-optic apparatus comprises aliquid crystal shutter device.
 10. The authentication apparatusaccording to claim 2, wherein the scanning apparatus comprises an imagerand a light source.
 11. The authentication apparatus according to claim10, wherein the imager is configured to capture image data with aplurality of imager incorporated in a vehicle, wherein the image data ifdisplayed as a portion of a panoramic or 360 degree display of thevehicle.
 12. The authentication apparatus according to claim 10, whereinthe controller is configured to detect an object within a predetermineddistance and activate the imager to capture an image of the object inresponse to the detection signal identifying the user proximate thescanning apparatus.
 13. The authentication apparatus according to claim1, further comprising: an audio communication interface, wherein thecontroller is further configured to: communicate audible instructions toa user indicating an authentication instruction, authorized accesscompartment of the vehicle, or an authentication failure notification.14. A method for presenting alignment information for aligning a subjectwith a scanning apparatus, the method comprising: detecting a proximityof the subject within a scanning distance of a scanning apparatus; inresponse to the subject within the scanning distance, controlling afeedback apparatus to transmit a light comprising alignment informationthrough a concealment device; activating the scanning apparatus tocapture scanning data of the subject in a field of view; capturing theidentification data depicting a portion of the subject for a biometricidentification; and processing the identification data of the portion ofthe subject thereby identifying the subject as an authorized orunauthorized user.
 15. The method according to claim 14, furthercomprising: detecting the subject within the field of view and capturingthe identification data in response to the detection;
 16. The methodaccording to claim 14, wherein controlling the feedback apparatus totransmit the light through the concealment device comprises controllinga transmittance of the light through the concealment device.
 17. Themethod according to claim 16, wherein the transmittance is controlled bycontrolling an electrical signal communicated to the concealment device.18. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: selectivelygranting access to a vehicle in response to identifying the subject asan authorized user.
 19. An authentication apparatus configured toidentify a user comprising: a scanning apparatus configured to capturescanning data of a subject in a field of view; a proximity sensorconfigured to communicate a detection signal identifying a subjectproximate the scanning apparatus; a feedback apparatus configured tocommunicate illuminated alignment information indicating the field ofview of the scanning apparatus to the subject; a concealment apparatuscomprising an electro-optic device configured to selectively reveal theilluminated alignment information through a panel; and a controllerconfigured to: detect the subject proximate the scanning apparatus basedon the detection signal; in response to the detection of the subject,control the electro-optic device of the concealment apparatus to revealthe illuminated alignment information; process the scanning data in thefield of view for an identifying portion of the subject; and in responseto capturing the identifying portion in the scanning data, identify thesubject based on the scanning data of the identifying portion.
 20. Theauthentication apparatus according to claim 19, wherein theelectro-optic device is configured to reveal the illuminated alignmentinformation emitted in response to the controller by adjusting atransmittance through the concealment apparatus.